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Every December for more years than I can count, we've run the Boley Centers Jingle Bell Run in downtown St. Petersburg. It's a fun tradition that always puts me in the holiday spirit. Here are a few pictures from this year's event. It felt like fewer people this year, but there were lots of musical entertainers along the course, and plenty of festive lights in downtown.  The race start and finish line was next to North Straub Park.  There were at least 10 musical groups along the 3 mile course.
 All the sparkly lights in Straub Park reflected on Vinoy Basin.  Santa's winter wonderland was ready for visitors. Those drippy lights are my favorite.  The Silver Alerts and Ed Carter were the first and last band on the course. Thanks, guys!  A snow machine just past the finish line added to the holiday feelings.  In Florida, Santa's sleigh is apparently a red convertible!  I love these dog tag style medals that Boley Centers has given out the past few years. It's the perfect size and memento. That's a wrap on another holiday run, thanks to Boley Centers! #EndTheStigma
Check out my latest cool weather running gear! It’s Turtle Gloves Performance Mitten Hoodie. Your hood and mittens are built in, so they’re there when you need them, and they’ll make it all the way back home with you. (I hate when I lose gloves and hats.)
Disclaimer: I received a Turtle Gloves Mitten Hoodie to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about being a BibRave Pro, and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!  The new Turtle Gloves Performance Mitten Hoodie is made of wicking material and lined with a lightweight fleece. #TurtleGlovesBR SAVE 20% with Code "TURTLEBIBRAVE"Psst! I have a Discount Code for you: “TURTLEBIBRAVE” = 20% off at TurtleGloves.com #TurtleGlovesBR #BibChat #BibRavePro #RaceGear #DiscountCode #HoorayRunning #GearDiscounts #ThisOldRunner
SAVE $5 on ANY Gasparilla Distance Classic Race I have a new discount code for you. Save $5 with discount code "BIBRAVE2023" when you sign up for any race at the Gasparilla Distance Classic (GDC). And believe me, you have plenty of options! The GDC offers a 5K, 8K, 15K and Half Marathon distances over two days. This year races take place in downtown Tampa on Saturday, February 25 and Sunday, February 26. Packet Pickup takes place at the huge health and fitness expo on Friday, Feb. 24rd and Saturday, Feb. 25th. The expo is open to the public. There's also FREE Junior Gasparilla Distance Classic event for kids age 2-10. This race is held the weekend before at Jefferson High School. Disclaimer: I received an entry to the Gasparilla Distance Classic to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about being a BibRave Pro, and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews! It's Time to Start Training and TrackingThis week marked the beginning of my Gasparilla half marathon training cycle. I'm super excited to run the Gasparilla Distance Classic FOR THE FIRST TIME! I can't believe it's taken me so long to run this race. It's an awesome event, but usually conflicts with other races and events. But now, at last, I'm running it and want to make the most of it. I'm giving myself extra training time — in hopes of really smashing this flat, fast course in February. (And, to give myself some flexibility during the holidays.) Fingers are crossed, and I've started running and tracking my progress in a new training journal. I find when I write things down I do a better job of consistent training.  Image credit: ThisOldRunner
Register Early to Guarantee You're at the Start LineThe Gasparilla Distance Classic is a popular race weekend. All the races will sell out, so if you want to run a single race, a challenge, or all the races — go register now. February in Florida is a beautiful place for a racecation. #GDC #PGDC #PGDC2023 #RunGasparilla #RunTampa #RunStPete #DiscountCode #GasparillaDistanceClassic #GasparillaHalf #BibChat #BibRavePro #RaceDiscount #HoorayRunning #ThisOldRunner
I Ran the Most Pittsburgh Race Ever . . . in FloridaEach November, P3R hosts the "Most Pittsburgh Race Ever" to celebrate all things Pittsburgh. Since that's my hometown, I enjoy participating even when I can't get there in person. This year, the EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler celebrated its 10th Anniversary with more than 4,100 participants. The popular 10-miler added a new 10K distance, which encouraged more people to participate. Local bands and Pittsburgh-themed miles kept runners engaged, entertained and motivated all along the race courses. Keep reading to see how I adapted my virtual Pittsburgh 10-miler to my current locale. Along the way you'll learn more about the in-person race!   Disclaimer: I received an entry to the EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about being a BibRave Pro, and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews! In Person and Virtual Starting LinesThe EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler began on West Carson Street by Station Square and Highmark Stadium. The first mile featured a salute to Military and First Responders. After crossing the West End Bridge, runners ran through the Mr. Rogers Neighborhood Mile. For my virtual race, I walked outside and started running down the street.
A Beautiful Day for a Run in Any NeighborhoodThe Mr. Rogers Neighborhood Mile celebrated the 10th anniversary of Daniel Tiger, and a beautiful day in Pittsburgh's neighborhoods. Volunteers wore red sweaters as a nod to Mr. Rogers. It was a beautiful day for a race in my neighborhood, too. My virtual race featured an inflatable, but it wasn't as cute as Daniel Tiger.  Mr. Rogers is one of Pittsburgh's favorites. The volunteers in Mr. Rogers Mile wore red sweaters and big smiles. (Image credit: P3R)
 It was a beautiful day for a 10-miler in my neighborhood, too. (Image credit: ThisOldRunner) Dick's Sporting Goods City of ChampYINZ MileDuring the Dick's Sporting Goods City of ChampYINZ mile runners could high five or race the mascots from Pittsburgh's major league baseball, hockey and football teams. The Pittsburgh Steel Drum Line provided vibrant music to keep runners moving through miles 3-4 through the North Shore. While I didn't run into the Pirate Parrot, IceBurg or Steely McBeam, I did see this skeleton still hanging out a week after Halloween.
Pittsburgh Entertainment MileMile six began on the 16th Street Bridge and represented the Pittsburgh Entertainment Mile. Runners and walkers were greeted by Kenny the Kangaroo (Kennywood Park), and Ricky Raccoon and Duke the Dragon (from Idlewild Park). The iconic Kennywood Racer roller coaster received a nod as runners chose to run in the red or blue rollercoaster car. (IYKYK) There weren't any amusement park reenactments on my race course.
Pittsburgh's Food Mile Featured Pickle Juice, Pierogies and Smiley CookiesPittsburgh is home to the Picklesburgh Festival, Pierogies, and Smiley Cookies. Of course the most Pittsburgh Race Ever showcased these 'burgh icons. Runners could drink a pickle shot or taste a cookie and pierogie during mile 7. Here in St. Pete, I found a pumpkin display featuring palm fronds. Oh, and lots of humidity.
Finish Line FunThere were lots of local bands playing along the in person Pittsburgh course to keep runners and walkers entertained all the way to the finish line. There weren't any live bands on my course. But, I did have my own music to keep me motivated as I ran through some of my favorite places. After 10 miles, 4 iconic Pittsburgh neighborhoods and 3 bridges, runners finished the most Pittsburgh Race Ever on Liberty Avenue with a street party. When my watch hit 10 miles, I kicked up my feet and relaxed on my front porch.  The in-person EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler & 10K finish line was on Liberty Avenue in downtown. (Image credit: P3R)
Virtual Runners Can Post Their Race Results OnlineVirtual race results are self-reported. It's easy to log into your Race Roster account and enter your time. You can download a finisher certificate, too.  In-Person or Virtual, We All Get Pittsburgh SWAGI'll be repping my favorite hometown this winter with my new EQT Pittsburgh 10-Miler quarter zip pullover, finisher medal and beanie. Virtual runners receive their swag via USPS after the in-person race. While I would rather run the most Pittsburgh race IN Pittsburgh, this virtual race was a lot of fun. Training for it kept me motivated throughout the Summer. The race management did an excellent job of communicating via email and social media. If you get a chance, get yourself to Pittsburgh and run through the city!
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Upcoming Races:March 13, 2023
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